Gun Show Attitude(s)??

Hey all, had an interesting trip to a local gun show yesterday, and to my complete surprise found myself on the defensive after one of the dealers/vendors didn't like my choice in buying my new Beretta 92FS, and felt he needed to set me straight I guess.

Yep the whole "9mm vs. everything else" debate.

Not sure where I read it, but someone posted 19 pages of info about this very issue and I found it to be a very good read. So armed with this I politely listened.

Now I'm an admitted newbie to handguns and to gunshows in general, and was simply checking out the show to see if I could find a suitable holster for my pistol since I also recently recieved my CCP and what ever else I could find.
It started friendly enough, I looked at a few holsters he had to offer, but when I informed the guy of my Beretta he started in on "oh 9mm are crap.....357 magnums or .45ACP is the only truely reliable calibers to stop an atttacker.....I've known people killed by a perp. because the 9mm just bounced off the foreheads of who they were shooting at....bla...bla...bla....you need a 1911 or a S&W snubby......"

I nodded, and agreed that sucked and was pretty sure he thought nothing of it and felt his experience & knowledge would help me in some way. Now I believe each to his own.....um how much for this holster?..........but when he made the snide comment "You really made a bad decision in buying that Beretta..." the whole mood changed.

At this point I figured that this guy getting up on a soapbox and was trying to prove something, he doesn't know me...I don't know him. So I stopped him from saying anything further and politely told him that I'm sure everybody has reasons for buying what they want, and I didn't really have to justify my choice in buying a 9mm to him or anybody else, I turned and walked away.

Now I'll admit, and people who know me will testify - I can get along with damn near ANYONE! But this guy struck a nerve. And I found myself in a rotten mood, and left the show & I'm certain I won't go to next one even though it will be sponsored by my local gun club.

Is this a common attitude at gun shows? A few other vendors I "tried" to talk to seemed very disinterested in helping answer my questions in general - especially when it came to my 9mm or even my new Marlin Model 60 .22 my father-in-law just gave me (I needed some parts, but decided to take it to a local gunsmith I recently met at the range)

As for the show itself....If I was a collector of guns that I would never use, or a war buff I would of been in my glory.... with all the M1 Grands on display, it definately looked like a WW2 Surplus Closeout Sale.

So I'm put off with gunshows at this point and I'm going to just use my local dealers I guess from now on.

It's too bad some people have to be assholes but a few are just born that way. If he told you a snubby performed better than 9MM Auto he is very misinformed. I have a .357 snubby and 9MM M&P plus a chronograph. The 9MM and .357 bullets are essentialy equal, .355 vs. .357 dia., and you have to use fullhouse .357 loads in a 2" snubby to equal the performance of a 9MM auto with 5" barrel. My chronograph has proven that to me on numerous occasions.

Anyway, don't quit going to shows just try to pick the AH's out earlier and ignore them. If you can't ignore them then tell them where to get off.

ignorance

cupsz71: Sir; isn't it a bore, our so called experts with opinions that are supported without merit. I actually enjoy these folks. It is fun just to see how far that they can go. You spoke of your friends belief that you can get along with anyone. My friends actually hate the fact that anyone would waste there time with me. [sarcasm intended] Sir; I do enjoy these moments of weakness; the silliest of the sillies. For granted my history of having fun opens and closes doors, and I, without shame "keep on going"
Sir; realize most of these so called experts are what they are. [so called experts] realize too; that most of the folks here have enjoyed [sarcasm] the wrath.
Dealing with anyone whom might shove down your throat a particular belief as fact brings me to Excuse yourself as needed, defending your position brings you to there level; Sir; walking away was more than appropriate, my only encouragement; walk sooner.
A 9mm isn't a beginners weapon; It is a weapon that at a moments notice takes life. It is, and should be considered as potent a weapon as any.
I do not know of any firearm that you them or those that could be considered as a 'beginners' firearm. [redundant] for sure.

There's not a thing wrong with your gun or a 9mm in general, but you don't need me to tell you that. I enjoy gun shows, and have yet to run across an individual like you describe. If I ever do, I hope I'll be as polite as you were and walk off.

Funny you mention this. I had a similar experience a few weeks ago and made a thread about it. Here it is if you're interested:Miscellaneous Ramblings

I think some people just have a holier than thou attitude because they're on the other side of the gun stands. You probably did the best thing by stating your opinion and just leaving taking your business elsewhere.

Don't sweat it.

Hey Cupz,
No worries my friend, don't let one jackass ruin your day. The gunshow here in Florida can be somewhat circus like. You have your "know-at-alls vendors", "para-militarys walking around in camo & ghillie suits", the young "Gangster wantabees" and there's ALWAYS that damn vendor guy in the corner firing off one those cheap ass stun-guns every 5 minutes..... "CRACK", I wish just once that guy would shock the piss outta himself.

The shows here in North Florida are on the small side & just aren't that great but the one in Orlando is pretty big, you can almost always find 3 or 4 different folks selling the same weapon and strike a good cash deal. A good show is a great place to get a bargain.

As for your choice, I think a Beretta 9mm in a fine weapon. Congrats on your score.

Our government does not require an IQ test before going into business. Vote with your wallet. The gun show dealer that ticked me off lost money that day and will lose more in the future because of his arrogant attitude and snippy remarks. I got even with him and had the last laugh by purchasing a gun from a friendly dealer at the table behind him. Next time I see that pompous loudmouth dealer at a gun show I will just ignore him and purchase from his competitors. Again. You can help run the bad ones out of business by not buying from them. Old Chinese proverb: Man who cannot smile should not keep shop.

Thanks for your opinions all! They were greatly appreciated!!
I tend to "rant" when I need to blow off a little steam, and have decided NOT to blow off any future gun shows because of one jerk and his attitude. I'm truly enjoy'n this new "hobby" way to much!
I have also decided that as a newly active member in my gun club, I'm going to look into the possibility of being a volunteer to help out at the next sponsored show to get this whole experience behind me.

You forgot to mention gun forums. One thing I never do is insult a buyers opinion on a firearm. Options are the spice of life, otherwise everything is vanilla. To the original poster I say congratulations on your purchase of choice. So far, that is one thing the government hasn't taken away...our freedom of choice. Oh, and regarding your experience with the gunshow vendor, it's happened to me several times and I'm not a newbie to firearms. I think many of them believe most customers are new and looking to buy any gun. Sometimes that naive, non-threatening individual knows his s*** and the vendor is at a loss. You handled it wisely.

My 16 year-old twins and I attended our first gun show a few weeks ago. We had done as much research as we could by looking on forums like this one, magazines, and talking to seasoned shooters. We were looking for our first handguns (revolvers). We only ran across one guy who was somewhat "cold", when he said that my boys couldn't pick up a handgun to look at it. Fair enough, I left his booth and was careful to ask each vendor if we could pick up a firearm if we were interested. Fortunately, the Good Lord was looking down on us that day, because we came across several dealers who were willing and seemingly excited to give us three novices advice. We left the show with a couple of Rugers, a 22 and a 357/38. The boys and I just love going to the range with them! We have also received a lot of help from the folks at our local range as well, so again there are good people out there who are willing to help and give of their advice to help the newbies.

On the other hand, we visited several local gun shops and they were all quite rude to us. I told them I was there to buy at least 2 guns, but they didn't want to be bothered with us rookies. This was especially disappointing to me, because I am a consultant to specialty retailers in another field and know their plight all too well.

We are involved in other hobbies as well (Koi, Garden Trains, Fly Fishing) and it just seems that sometimes the know-it-all guys just have to flap their lips. My advice is don't get discouraged by people like that! It's fun to learn a new hobby and there are lots of people around to help if you want it. Part of the fun for me is watching my boys get so excited about it - they even LOVE to clean the guns after a day at the range!

That was implied I mean everyone knows that if you’re on a gun forum that you know everything there is to know about guns...

The gun shows around here always drive me crazy, all the guns are typically crap, all the people think they are gods gift to the firearms community and I actually had to pay 5 bucks to get in... Screw that. Yeah I avoid gun shows like the plague. I get all the info I need right here, where everyone’s an expert.